Why are superfoods good for you?

Why are superfoods so popular? If you’re on social media you may have seen the buzz word “superfoods” circling around the past few years. You may be thinking “why eat superfoods?” This blog is going to discuss why superfoods are good for you so you can make your own decision on if and how you should consume them. I have been drinking the same superfoods for almost five years so I will also be specifically discussing what superfoods are in Shakeology and in my opinion which superfoods are the best.

How do superfoods benefit us?

So many questions regarding superfoods, let’s start with, are superfoods good for you? I believe this one has the answer in the name, SUPER! Yes, superfoods are good for you! They are freaking super for crying out loud, but in all seriousness, food is information. So, how can superfoods benefit you? How do superfoods work? When food, especially superfoods, enter our bodies it sends signals to our brains that then help the rest of our body function properly, so the type of food we put in our body is so important. 

I would like to preface this next section with the disclaimer that I can only speak to what I know and what I have experienced. I would also like to point out that when considering taking any form of supplements or drastically changing your diet is important to consult your healthcare provider.

What superfoods should I eat?

I have been drinking Shakeology (https://www.teambeachbody.com/shop/b/shakeology?referringRepID=806443) for almost five years. As a coach, I have clients of all shapes and sizes and health backgrounds. Many questions regarding superfoods can simply be answered with the superfoods I drink daily. A big question I get is, which superfoods are good for diabetes? 

I have three clients with diabetes who have been successful in their health goals while drinking Shakeology because it has a low glycemic index. Shakeology is not the only superfood blend with a low glycemic index, but it is one of the few on the market that has as many superfoods and health benefits as it does. Regardless of the source of superfoods what is most important for folks with diabetes is a low glycemic index. 

Not only does Shakeology have a low glycemic index, but it is also gluten-free so it has been beneficial to my clients with both diabetes and celiac disease. Shakeology is not just for folks with celiac and diabetes, it is for everyone. You may be wondering how many superfoods are in Shakeology and the answer is over 70, but what is most important is the proprietary blend of different types of important superfoods. This leads me to my next topic, exploring the categories of superfoods.

What superfoods are there?

There are many types of superfoods but the types that Shakeology is broken down to are, phytonutrients (plant properties we want to emulate in our bodies), antioxidants (fight free radicals, diseases, and cancer), gut health-enhancing properties (pre/probiotics and digestive enzymes), and adaptogenic herbs (balances stress response). 

This all sounds like pretty important information for our bodies, right? 

Here is information regarding the blends straight from Team Beachbody and their team of scientists and nutritionists.

Satisfy Your Craving and Get Healthy Energy

Protein, fiber, and beneficial carbohydrates help curb cravings and provide healthy energy. Shakeology is a low-glycemic index (Low-GI) food. Low-GI foods release carbohydrates more slowly, causing a lower blood-glucose response. Protein and fiber help you feel full so you eat less, which helps support any weight-loss goals.*

• Lean Muscle Support: Protein also helps you maintain lean muscle mass and support muscle recovery. With 16 g of protein from multiple sources like flax and peas, Shakeology is a well-rounded protein source, providing all 9 essential amino acids.*
• Gut Health Help: Probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes help support regularity and healthy digestion. Our formula has 6 g of soluble and insoluble fiber as well as beneficial bacteria.*
• Free-Radical Fighters: Superfoods like camu-camu and pomegranate have antioxidant properties that can help fight free radical damage caused by the daily stresses of modern living.*
• System Support: Vitamins and minerals** help your body’s systems run smoothly, while superfoods and phytonutrients such as matcha green tea and kale support vitality.
• Stress Busters: Adaptogenic herbs and botanicals have traditionally been used to help the body adapt and respond to the effects of stress, whether it’s from your busy lifestyle, the environment, or working out. Our proprietary blend includes unique ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and chaga, which you don’t usually get from an ordinary diet.*

**Shakeology Plant-Based Vegan formulas aren’t fortified with added vitamins and minerals.  

Attached you will find a full ingredient list for the Vanilla Vegan Shakeology.

When I get asked, “what superfoods should I drink every day?” My answer is always Shakeology because it includes these key blends. If someone was looking to do a new superfood regimen and didn’t want to try Shakeology, my recommendation would still be to find something that includes these crucial blends or create a blend of your own. I will say another reason I use and steer people toward Shakeology is that trying to get all of these blends and ingredients separately, and in the correct quantities can be quite expensive. 

Superfoods Recipes

These superfood blends are so completely nutrient-dense on their own there is no need to add anything to them but water, but I have plenty of fun and delicious recipes to enhance enjoyment and value. 

We recently launched our new summer flavor Salted Caramel and here is a yummy recipe that is more like a treat than a nutrient-packed meal!

Salted Caramel Creme Brulee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk beverage
• 1 cup ice
• 1 scoop Salted Caramel Plant-Based Vegan Shakeology
• ½ large banana
• 1 medium Medjool date, pitted
• ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Place water, ice, Shakeology, banana, date, and cinnamon in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Berry Extraordinary Shakeology

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup ice
• 1 scoop Strawberry Whey (or Tropical Strawberry Plant-Based Vegan) Shakeology
• ½ cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
• ½ cup fresh (or frozen) blackberries
• 1 Tbsp. hemp seeds

Instructions:

1. Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, strawberries, blackberries, and hemp seeds in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Try these easy go-to recipes I have recently created with the vanilla vegan blend:

Date Shake

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla vegan shakeology
• 2 pitted dates
• 1 tbsp Justin’s nut butter (with honey)
• 1/4 cup oat milk
• 1/2 cup water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Blend

Berry Delicious

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vanilla vegan shakeology
• 1/2 cup frozen dark cherries and mixed berries
• 1/4 cup oat milk
• 1/2 cup water
• Ice
• unsalted pistachios

Instructions:

1. Blend everything except pistachios
2. Top with pistachios

Superfoods don’t always have to simply be made into a shake, you can use them for delicious desserts as well.

Strawberry Mint Pops

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup water
• ½ cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
• 2 scoops Tropical Strawberry Plant-Based Vegan (or Strawberry) Shakeology
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped

Instructions:

1. Place water, strawberries, Shakeology, lime juice, and mint in a blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Divide evenly into four ice pop molds; freeze for at least four hours, or until set.
3. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.

Peanut Butter Shakeology Cups

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup dark chocolate morsels
• 2 scoops Chocolate Plant-Based Vegan Shakeology
• 1 Tbsp. psyllium husk powder
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 6 tsp. all-natural smooth peanut butter, divided use

Instructions:

1. Prepare twelve mini muffin cups by lining with muffin papers.
2. Place morsels in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds; stir; microwave for an additional 30 to 45 seconds or until just melted. Do not overcook. Set aside.
3. Place Shakeology, psyllium husk, and pumpkin in a food processor. Pulse until it forms a dough.
4. Divide dough into 12 small balls; place each ball in a muffin cup. Press dough down into a flat disk with a depression in the middle. Place ½ tsp. peanut butter in each depression.
5. Drizzle melted morsels evenly over each peanut butter cup; spread to create a thin chocolate layer on top.
6. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until chocolate hardens.
7. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days until ready to eat.!

If you feel like you are wanting more recipes, tips, and tricks to living your healthiest life, I have lots more tips where those came from. All of my meal plans include access to hundreds of recipes and short, easy, all levels workouts. If you have any specific recipes you would like or fitness program questions, always feel free to reach out to me. Thanks for reading I hope this information was useful and finds you in a space of the heart. I’m just me Sarah Roberts (Savino), MSW, RYT200, TBB Coach founder of team Indie Sols, figuring out what works for me and sharing it with you in hopes that it will make some positive changes for you as well! As always if you have any direct questions or want personal consultation for anything you can reach me at my email thefitphilanthropist@gmail.com or contact me through any of my social media: Facebook.com/sarah.savino IG- the_fit_philanthropist

Love and Light Always,

Sarah